Saturday, February 28, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Gwendylan turns 8!!!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
My family vacation!!
Disney was the BEST!! I loved the rides and the faster the better!! Some of our lines were long, and it was very hot, but I did not complain at ALL! I got to see all the princesses. I rode on a big boat. Went swimming a LOT, I like the big pool the best even though I am still learning to swim. At the end of our trip my Aunt Juju got married and me and my sister Mikala got to be Flower Fairies! I loved throwing the flowers and wearing the dress me and Mom picked out, it was soooo pretty! I can't wait til next year!!
Love, Gwendylan
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
http://livinlifeoutloud.blogspot.com/
Check out Gwen singing!!!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Our happy girl..
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
ABCs and writing names...
For more pics, check out the Weekly pictures desplayed at http://livinlifeoutloud.blogspot.com/
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Our HAPPY girl....
Monday, April 28, 2008
Our First Milestone together!!
Gwen lost her tooth tonight! While its not her first tooth lost, it is our first one together :-) It was a sweet moment for Mom, when after trying and trying to pull it out (she used ice, twisted it, you name it!), she finally asked me if I could do it! She hesitated, so I started to tease her, saying that she didn't trust Mommy...as soon as I said that, she thrust her little face up to me and said, "I love you Mommy!" Then opened her mouth WIDE. It was a good thing that tooth was literally hangin' there because I was having a hard time not crying!! The tooth pulled out easily, and we went through the motions of cleaning it up, and wrapping it neatly and put it into our little "ToothFairy" pillow....she has no idea WHAT that was all about but was excited because Logan and I made a huge deal out of it! Just wait until tomorrow when she sees what's in the pillow!! We will have to definitely go and spend it!!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Sorry short post...
Gwen and I watched her video tonight...she was soooo excited, I began to cry (she was so surprised to see me cry that I know it helped her realize how much I love her), I could really see how surprised she was by the fact that we had all of this "stuff" about her, and she wasn't here yet! It was the most wonderful moment..She seems to be starting to "understand" things a bit now...its SO amazing to see. I am so excited for her.
I also want to post that someone had been preparing her for us. She KNOWS her ABCs by sight and verbally!! I promise more soon, and some pics too...I am training for a new client right now and it is really kicking my butt. As of Tuesday next week things should start to settle down. I hope I have not lost too many of Gwen's fans!!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
She has always been here....
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
21,15
15, is the number of years we have been married. 15, is the number of years he has made my life complete.
<< 1 Corinthians 13 >>
The Excellence of Love
1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
(prom)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Day 10 pics..
Bible Verse Of The Day:
Monday, April 7, 2008
Update....Day 9
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Leaving her home....
Just because....
needed a popsicle something awful!!
Asking for prayers please
Bible verse of the day: Happy Sunday!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your bountiful blessings. You always provide what is needed and even when we don’t ask. You greet us each day and watch over us at night. You long for a friendship with us and satisfy our very soul by comforting us and loving us the way that a parent loves a child. I thank You that You have chosen me to be Your friend and that our friendship grows closer and deeper daily. May I continue to call to You from the highest places and rest in Your Spirit when my body is tired. I thank You for this day and the hope for tomorrow.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
Bible Verse Of The Day:
“Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.”
Dad Day 9
Hello Honey,
It's 1423 hrs., we just got back from our walk in the shopping plaza, the kids had McDonald's for lunch . We walk with Mark & Terri and their sweet little girl.
The kids really enjoy strawberry shakes & french fries w/ ketchup. We went to Walmart yesterday for carry on luggage for Gwen. I'll be packing tonight, tomorrow we leave after we get our passport for Gwen. Gwen loves it.
Five more days left - Home bound soon- thank God. We miss you & Mikala. I didn't take many pictures today; nothing new (paper work/walk/playing w/kid's in hotel, a nice quiet day). Three hours & we'll be going to dinner.
Love Ya
Logan's Log Day 9
Last night I had a very good sleep. A little while after we got up, we went out for breakfast it wasn't as good as usual I was very disappointed, or maybe it was because I wasn't very hungry... Whatever the cause it didn't taste as good.
After breakfast it was time for dad to do some paper work with Micheal, while me and Gwen played. We had soo much fun!!! Me and Gwen get along so good, I can't wait for Mikala to meet her, its going to be so much fun playing with both of them!!! We played out in the hall, and guess who joined us while we played a board game, it was Kim!! We had a lot of fun.
After all the paper work was done, we took a walk with Mark and Terri it was really fun, but my legs are really tired.... Another awesome thing is we saw the suuunnnnnn!!!!!!
Hallelujah Praise The Lord!!!
Now we are back at the hotel watching T.V.( although nothing is on). I love you mom and we miss you and only have a five days left! Im so happy!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Logan's Log Day 8!!!
This morning and last night was very odd, I woke up at around 6:30 I hope it doesn't happen again. But, luckily I didn't kick dad or roll on him, so I was relieved. About thirty mins. later we went to breakfast they had pancakes again they takes so gooooooooood! Also today at breakfast I had the worst eggs that I've ever had there, the cook/waiter put meat, peppers and tomatoes, it was horrible. I also had some excellent fruit, it was pears!!!
After that, we went back to the room we waited and waited.... Then finally time came it was time for the porcelain store and the zoo ya!! I was so happy!!! The porcelain store went by quick, which was good!
When we got to the zoo I was so exited I got to see a panda!!! First we went to a show like Sea World It was so cool the thing that amazed me most was a tiger that was riding on a horse!! Not a baby tiger either!!! Another thing I liked was that I got to ride some rides, the one I liked the most was bumper cars, it has been so long since I have ridden on one. I also rode a air plane ride and merry go round, it was ok... Next it was almost time to leave, but we still got to see a panda, when we got there it was sleeping, I was still so happy!! when we left we went to Walmart. I got another pair of shoes it was so awesome! Now we are back at the hotel waiting for diner time I miss you mom!!! Only 6 days left!!! Gwen and I are getting along really good. She is so happy all the time!!
Friday, April 4, 2008
ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT!!!
School paper written by a 6th grade friend of Logan's
Cupcakes’ Puppies
A few days ago, Cupcake, Logan’s dog, had a litter of puppies. When she was pregnant, we thought she would only have three or four, but she had six puppies! There are five boys and one little girl who is about half the size of the rest of them. They all are very unique in their color; two are black, two are white (one looks like a cow), and the other two are brindle. Right now, Logan and Mr. Glenn are in China so me, mom, Mrs. Susan and Mikala are naming them. We decided to name the cow “Moo” and the other white one “Spot.” We named the girl Belle, and the two brindle are Snickers and Reese .We hadn’t decided on the other black one yet. I can’t wait until they get adopted by a loving family!
Bryanna Franklin
4/3/08
Unable to find the "Finding ad" for Gwen...
This just came in, what a bummer...
"I have searched my files, and am unable to locate the finding ad for your child. I am missing several newspapers from that timeframe, so it is probable that I don't have the paper in which her ad appeared.Sorry!"
Brian
Brian StuyResearch-Chinawww.research-china.org
Dad Day 7
Hello Baby,
It's Friday @ 1348 hrs., we just finished eating & putting Gwen's puzzle together. We had a postive day, kids were bored with the political building & history of what took place there, but overall it was a good day. Logan was very popular with the college girls. Gwen is in a good mood-just got to watch energy level(blood sugar). She burns a lot of energy- you need snacks & drinks . Gwen likes her toy guns, Hear That Everyone - She's Gun Buff "who-raaaaaaaaaaaa!!!". She loves to : dance, sing, paint & play with her beach ball. On a personal note she is shy - she doesn't like big crowds, she gets nervous- she will cling & start to randomly itch her arms (I learned this is her nervous habit) when people are around /or talking to her. It's bath time; dinner will be @ 1730 hrs.- she's still playing with her guns (1 is Logan's gun) & puzzles. She's picking up bits & peices of English, (counted to 9 in english last night all by herself....smelled my coffee and said "coffee"!!), somtimes I'm papa other times I'm daddy- or baba. Susie she likes her bath on the cold side (baby oil added)- I stopped the bubble baths, skin is not as dry- even through she gets lotion everyday (it's a routine she insists on lol)- evening. End of report-
LOVE YOU
GIVE MY GIRL A BIG KISS
Logan's Log Day 7
Last night at dinner I found something new I like! It was a rice cake!! It was soo good, I loved it!! After dinner we went back to the hotel and went to sleep, it took a little longer than last time but it wasn't too bad. The next morning I was woken up again by dad!!!He said I was kicking him and laying on him last night, (ops!) I felt mad at my self. Then we went to breakfast it was as delicious, as usual. We then went back to the hotel and I was bored for awhile. Later, we went to another museum (Memorial Tower of the Nanchang Uprising) it wasn't as bad as yesterdays but I was still reaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllly bored! There were two parts too it, on the first one I was not impressed with anything there. Also, while we were there college ladies kept wanting to take pictures with me, so I did (it was embarrassing!) After the first museum, we went to the second there was one thing I liked there, it was a little picture of the city (providence) with glass over it me and Gwen kept walking across it was really fun but when it was time to leave that part I started to get less amused. After that Gwen, started to get moody we figured out why! She was thirsty!!! So we got her a drink at a place that looked like a cigarette store. Then we left. When we got back to the hotel we left again but for the store. After we got what we needed, we left but it started to rain I was depressed...(its ALWAYS raining here!!) When we got back to the room it was time for lunch, me and dad had oatmeal, I thought it was excellent!! Gwen had something different it looked like salami, she also had crackers. Now we are waiting for dinner time. Gwen is having such a good day, and I am learning more everyday to understand her (so is Dad), I think its really helping her!! I miss mom sooo much same with Mikala.....
Bible Verse Of The Day:
This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Because you requested it....
Mom at home
Logan's Log Day 6 Nanchang...
Yesterday night was so easy for dad and me, Gwen fell asleep within 5 mins, I was so glad and happy she didn't struggle falling asleep. I know the days here are just wearing her out, they are me too!!! Awhile later I fell asleep. Gwen was up before me, but did not wake me this time! She is adjusting so well, even though we are not even home yet! At about 0700hrs, we all went down for breakfast it was soo good, they actually had pancakes, it was yummy!!!! After that we went back to the room to clean up, then we left to go to the store to get water and soda(Gwen wanted coke, but we got sprite).When we got back to the hotel, we had about 3hrs, so I got my game boy out and started to play, a few minutes. Later, Micheal came by!! Then we went down to go to the museum(it actually had 3 parts). I was so bored out of my mind there!!!! They had so many artifacts (too many!!) The only thing I was interested in was stuff with dragon pictures on them, they were cool! Now we are back at the hotel, hvaing lunch. Gwen is laying down we know she wont take a nap, but at least she will relax.I miss you mom soo much, you too Mikala.
Dad, Nanchang Day 6
Hello Honey,
Just wanted to say hey, hope you slept well. Kids ate a big breakfast this morning; then @ 1000 we went to the museum.
The museum had three buildings, consisting of the following: revolution of Nanchang, artifacts & natural/pre-historic. I sent pictures of breakfast & of the museum. By 1300 hrs. we were back in the hotel. We had lunch consisting of : pork/spiced noodles, steamed chips, oranges, peanuts & rolls. It was a waste of time trying to put Gwen down for a nap-"again". She gets over stimulated easily during sight seeing. She has a habit of throwing her toys when mad-that's not working for her very well, but over all she's a good girl! Just needs our guidence and support. The language barrier has been hard for her, and lack of structure to her day is probably getting to her now too, since she is used to going to school. I think Logan is wearing down, there's not much to do in this area - I haven't taken them to the pool since she still has a little cough.
Give my little girl a big hug & kiss
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Verse of the Day:
And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and
blessed them.
From Dad
Hello baby,
Log : 2100 hrs. Gwen so over tired she is having trouble sleeping - poor girl can hardly keep her eyes open- rough night for her. She is a true Blessing even tonight. Honey she's a good girl just determined, and over stimulated here. Hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to get a nap in, she's finally asleep ( 42 mins. later).
Our group went to dinner in the same restaurant " Best food I tasted in China" , reasonably priced, good quantity & excellent flavor. Michael, Lee & I went to the local super walmart, I pick up the following items:" 2 outfits,2 shirts,undergarments, 2 pairs of shoes, couple of toys, 1 cd (didn't carry a portable cd player) & socks for Gwen / Logan 1 pair of shoes, 2 jeans & 2 shirts."
Love & Miss You
Logan's Log Day 5 Nanchang...
Last night we had a very good dinner. It was so yummy!! It was the best one I've had yet!! Then, when we got back to the hotel, we took showers and baths. The water in the shower feels so different; its like outside rain falling really hard!! After our showers, it was time for bed, so dad put Gwen to bed. He had such a rough time!! Gwen just wouldn't fall a sleep, and kept testing dad, I was surprised on how Gwen acted I felt so sad... Finally, she fell a sleep after about 2hrs!! I felt totally relived.
This morning I had a bad awakening, I was so mad at Gwen, she woke me up on purpose. She came to my ear and yelled!! Next, we went to breakfast it was ok, not really the best for some reason. I was also surprised by that. This time Gwen didn't eat so much it was probably because of how much she eat yesterday. After breakfast, we went sight seeing it was so cool, I loved it!!!!!!!!!! Dad took so many pictures I thought the camera was going to explode!!!! Me and Gwen were running around, (I was so happy that she was smiling the whole time) I was so tired out from all that running, but then we left, and went back to the hotel.Next, after we got back, it was time for Gwen to take a nap. So dad put her down, but she didn't fall asleep so we ate, then we put her down again and she just rested. I miss you mom, and we'll see you in a week and a few days.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
From Mom
The phone is fixed!!!!
YIPPEEEEE!!
We just finished breakfast- I contacted panda- women stated she fixed the problem just needed 5 mins. I'll try calling @ 2130 (0930).
Hopefully talk soon..
Love ya
Logan's Log....
Emailed to me from a Mom in China...
Susan
Kim Brown
Monday, March 31, 2008
Bible verse of the Day:
Mom, on the "waiting" end...
It has been almost 12 hours since the phone in china died, and I am going NUTS!! We have emailed a litttle back and forth, but boy-o-boy am I spoiled!! I need to hear voices!!
Please pray we can get the phone issue resolved soon, so I do not end up bald!!
Mom...who is home and missing her family like crazy!!!
Update from Glenn...emailed to me
Hello beautiful,
Gwen had her first little melt down (over tired & not enough sleep), we were playing and tickling her -she started laughing- turned into crying- then laughing/crying; it was time for nap for all of us. It's 1546, I woke up, and kids are still sleeping. We'll see if the nap effects their sleep tonight. I hope you caught up on your sleep! Dinner is at 1730 hrs. in one of the local restaurant, Gwen just woke up @ 1600 hrs,. and Logan about 8 mins. later. Both children look half dazed- sluggish - neither seems to be a 100%- maybe we all need a gallon of coffee! Your girl doesn't like plain water "what a surprise" - Loves O.J. - right now she counting to 1-5 in English by herself. I think v-tech laptop would be perfect for her, she's always playing with the Barbie laptop. Now on a personal note- Once in awhile you need to send her to the potty - she will hold her urine like it's gold - when you send her to the restroom she will go. So far she doesn't like apple juice, 4-6oz of milk a day is possible to get in her, she appears to Love eating most vegetables & all noodles dishes. Health note: she still has a bark(cough), once in awhile during the day - mostly @ night. She's not running a fever or runny nose, eyes are clear, she is picking up commands & communication quickly, never been to the dentist- teeth appear in good shape (no cavities I can see), limbs & torso is thick, very active & alert, Loves to imitate big brother, I talked to her orphanage director today and addressed problem of wiping herself after using the potty- she says she knows how to, and should take care of it herself ( director talk to Gwen & reconfirmed)- maybe she was rushing earlier? time will tell...... she likes gum, again she is a good eater- she weighs appro. 57#(weight her on bath scale) will get more accurate weight - during medical exam and I will send you more pictures later- tomorrow if you want, I will send some of her in the tub w/ bubbles. I heard cupcake is having puppies & she's not Amy. I tried calling you on both lines " can't get through" I'm getting busy signal or it drops the call. I hope you reading the emails.
Love you,
Email us back to your gmail- I'll pick it up.
We will be leaving shortly for dinner.
Email US We Miss talking to you or writing Hopefully We can get a call thru later
favorite pics I/Logan's Log
Today I woke up at 4am (possibly not the best idea) and I couldn't go back to sleep, so I stayed up. 30mins later Gwen woke up I was laughing because all of us couldn't sleep. We got up and had some oatmeal it was so good, I haven't had it for soooo long!! Then we waited to go to the appointments, Gwen and I played for a few hours it was fun; we played with : Play dough, guns (she picked it out not me or dad), slinky, talking Dora and drawling/painting [she is going to be such a great artist like me~~] we always have some much fun. Then we looked around a little bit around the hotel we didn't find the pool though....I was depressed... After we ate then at 8:30hrs we went to get all the papers for this providence done, it took awhile(appro.3 1/2 hrs.), but Gwen did excellent. Then we went back to the hotel and we had noodles!!!!!!! They were so delicious. and now Gwen's taking a bath early and I'm just waiting with dad (also the phone wont let us call you for some reason, its strange. I'm sure dad will tell you more about it).One more thing mom, I taught Gwen how to count to 5 in English!!!!!!! I hope to see you soon {if i get to talk to you i want to tell you something really important really really important!) love you mom
Gwen had her hair wash & conditioned - no problems-Susie; she has a birth mark on her right hip. She's getting spoiled , I lotion her body after the bubble baths - her feet are so ticklish - lunch she had spice noodles, french roll , peanuts & steamed potatoes(similar to potatoe chips). As Logan stated all the paperwork is finished in Nanchang Providence. Tonight we have dinner as a group around 1700 hrs. . Logan & Gwen play so well together, I'm glad Logan is here , I wish the Whole Family was........... I will send more pictures today.
The cellular lines must be busy today I tried calling you @ 0700/0730 & 0800 , I'll try later this evening after dinner. Love You
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Updated info...
Bible verse of the day: Romans 8:37
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
From Dad...
Notes: (Evening) 1st night, Gwen ate everything in sight on the buffet(Gloria Hotel) , after dinner Gwen took a bubble bath with her new toys: a plastic pistol which she pick out, & a plastic squeaking hammer. She enjoys her beach ball, painting w/ water colors & drawing . Gwen's bed time, according to her notes, is at 2100hrs; she resisted falling to sleep ( 45 mins.) while playing w/ Dora doll - laughing & chatterng the whole time. According to her notes, she loves to run & jump- Gwen has a outgoing personality and seems to enjoy being picked up & thrown into the air. She also enjoys being placed on one side of shoulder while walking. Gwen speaks Mandarin w/ some dialect mixed in - she's in 1st grade. Gwen loves music when she hears it, she'll start dancing & singing, tomorrow we have a early morning.
Good Night & GOD BESS
P.S.
Logan & I Love & miss You & Mikala
Good night Love
more details...
The girl behind that pretty stare....
From Logan...
After the long 7hr wait we took are last flight to Nanchang i thought there was way too much turbulence on the plane and the plane kept shaking, also the wheel kept squeaking..... I was scared. Then finally we got there i was so happy to finally get off the plane! Then we got on a small bus but it was so crowded we took it to a entrance. We didn't see Michael but he saw us so after we meant we left our driver was nice he then took us too the hotel, 'The Glory'.now its the day to get Gwen I'm so exited to see how see acts toward dad. Also another cool thing is that there going to bring her to the hotel!! That is so awesome!!! ~~~~~ hope to see you soon mom.
Good afternoon,
We Miss & Love you "Susie & Mikala".
I was informed by Michael this morning - the director of the orphanage is bringing Wen Lan Hong(Gwendylan Gayle Furiato) to us in the hotel. Earlier this morning we went to local grocery store: water, juice, bannana, peanuts, cups, spoons & bowls. I did forget to get sugar again . Another 1 1/2 hour to go -- GOD IS GOOD --- looks like another blessing; call Dad- tell him everything is going good & miss him. WE LOVE YOU AND WILL KEEP YOU IN TOUCH.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
THEY ARE THERE!
“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.”
Friday, March 28, 2008
TAKE ME THERE!!!!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Good morning,
It's Thursday 3/27/08, tomorrow morning the trip begins- Gwendylan will be home in two weeks. I just wanted to Thank All those who helped, & "Thank God for All His Blessing". A lot has happen for our family in the last two years-(blessing & hardship). It's easy to forget every day is a blessing- The Lord is Good. Tomorrow is going to be a long day(2 domestic/2 international airports). THANK YOU FOR YOUR BLESSING & SUPPORT.
Glenn
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
American-Chinese household
In honor of Mikala Yin, we have always flown the Chinese flag below our American flag during Chinese New Year to symbolize our support of where her story begins. With Gwen coming home soon, we have chosen to extend the flying time through the month of April, since that will be when she comes home. Both girls' Gotcha! days are in March, a mere 10-days apart! So, a new family tradition begins! 
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
China Adoption Trip...Furiato Family
(03/29/08—04/11/08)
03/29: Family will arrive in Nanchang at ？ by ？
Michael will pick you up at the airport
GLORIA PLAZA HOTEL NANCHANG:
011-86-791-673-8855
You will receive your lovely Gwendylan in the afternoon (16:00) WOOOOHOOOO!!
03/31 MON: Adoption registration and notarization in the morning
04/01 TUE: Sightseeing: Teng Wang Pavilion
04/02 WED: Sightseeing: Jiangxi Museum
04/03 THU: Sightseeing: Memorial Tower of the Nanchang Uprising
04/04 FRI: Sightseeing: Renmin Park
04/05 SAT: Review all the documents with Michael
04/06 SUN: Sightseeing:
04/07 MON: Get Gwen’s passport and leave Nanchang for Guangzhou by HU7164
The Victory Hotel: 011-86-20-8121-6688
04/08 TUE: Medical Exam and take the visa photos for your baby
Sightseeing: Chen House Temple
04/09 WED: Consulate Interview at 09:00am
Pearl River Cruise in the evening will be served
04/10 THU: Sightseeing: Yuntai Garden.
You will bring Gwen to the Consulate for the oath ceremony at 4:30pm, the visa and immigration papers will be handed out at the conclusion of the ceremony.
04/10 Thur: Leave Guangzhou for Hong Kong BY TRAIN!!!
Fly from Hong Kong to Newark to HOME on 04/11!!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
HMMMMMMM...not sure I like this proverb...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
You know you are an adoptive parent if.....
YOU KNOW YOU'RE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT IF ...
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
About the song "Held"...
I first heard this song two years ago while waiting for Mikala Yin. I know what the words are, and their meaning, but for some reason I cannot help but think of our girls' biological parents when I hear it. I think of their great loss, and how much faith they must have to get through such a hard thing. Even now to think of Gwen and her foster Moms (at least 2-I know of), have had to (well, one will be soon) let go. I cannot imagine. As I sit and wait, I think that Wen's current foster Mom must be struggling to get through each day as well, knowing that soon she will have to say goodbye in order for us to say hello. I dedicate this song to those parents who have ever had to say "goodbye", your strength is beyond my comprehension.
What does her name mean?
Hong = Red
Wen = Refinement
Lan = Orchid
Gwendylan = Fair, holy, white
Gayle = Father in rejoicing....
Saturday, February 16, 2008
What must one do to qualify for a grant these days??
If there is anyone out there who knows, can you please share? I spent a LOT of time filling out several applications, which of course ALL wanted something different; one which sent letters to our friends asking some VERY personal information. I just do not get it. I am a little miffed for sure, and mostly because I think the guidlines to qualify should be more clearly defined so I do not waste my time or someone elses. All that personal info, all that time...and Gwen's adoption does not qualify? GRRRRRRR.
Friday, February 15, 2008
LOA is officially in China!
WOOHOO...counting weeks now...Can hardly believe it SOMEONE pinch me pleeeaaase!!!! I am completely consumed now...what will she be like? Will she like us? Will this be hard on her, or is she ready for us? OOOOOOO I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
LOA on its way BACK to China!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
something to think about...
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Party for you....
Thursday, February 7, 2008
We need your help...
We have received word that 2 of our 3 grants were rejected. The economy is really bad right now. We still need about $6,000 to bring Gwen home. We have raised some funds through the sales of our puppies but we still need more and now we know we need this by the end or March. Please, please consider helping us. Everyone who touches this child's life makes a difference, if you cannot help please pass this on, there may be someone out there who can. Your gift is tax deductable....
Please make donations out to:
Hong Wen Lan/Furiato Family
c/o CASI Foundation For Children
ATTN: ARLENE
2308 N. Cole Rd.,
Suite E
Boise, Idaho 83704
or charge by phone at
1-800-376-0558
http://www.adoptcasi.org/Index.htm
MY CUP RUNTH OVER!!!
With JOY!!! We are so happy to announce that we have recieved LOA (letter of acceptance) for Gwen!!! Happy, happy 7th Birthday Gwen!!!! We will be there soon!!!!!!!!
OMGosh!! I just noticed the chinese "word" for today is "PLAN" WOW, How great is God?!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
What we are working on part II
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
How we plan to communicate with our daughter...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A note to our dear daughter.......
On the drive home from Papa's on Christmas Eve.....
Mom from the front seat said, "Hey, guys its Christmas Day in China"...
Mikala from the backseat, "OOOO, its Christmas in China"?
Logan, also from the backseat, "Merry Christmas Gwen"!
We are always thinking of you....every night your sister gets down on her knees and prays for her sister to be safe until she can come home. We all pray, everyday, for you to be with us soon.
Love Dad & Mom
Monday, December 17, 2007
A SPECIAL gift....
Drawing Gwen did when she was 5
age 5
age 4
age 3These very special gifts were sent to us from a family who has been sponsoring Gwen in her education over the last several years. Please except our heartfelt "thanks!" This is a treasure.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
New pictures of Gwen....
new pictures!!!!!!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
December 4th, 2007
Where is Gwen now?
If you are a traveler looking for a place that will give you a variety of interesting options, then Jiangxi province in southern China is definitely the place for you! The pristine beauty of its misty mountains and fresh water lakes will enchant you. Its modern as well as ancient Chinese historical sites will whet your appetite for learning about its culture. To top it off, 'China's Capital of Porcelain' is located here, thus satisfying the shopper in us all.
Jiangxi province is situated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Its neighboring provinces include Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Hunan(this is where Mikala Yin is from!), Hubei and Anhui. Jiangxi province got its name during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and because the Gan River runs through this province from north to south, it is also called Gan for short. It covers an area of 1,669,000 square kilometers (644,440 square miles) with a population of about 40 million.
When to go
Jiangxi has a warm and humid climate with cold springs and winters, hot summers and dry autumns thus accounting for its four distinct seasons. Annual rainfall averages 1400-1800 millimeters and the average temperature of the province is 3-9C in January and 27-31C in July.
Jiangxi province is a showcase for natural beauty. Tourists will find it hard to leave its beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers. Particularly attractive is Poyang Lake, which is not only the biggest fresh water lake in China, but also the largest winter habitat for white cranes. When winter approaches, about 2800 white cranes will migrate to Poyang Lake to spend their winter. What a spectacular sight! On the east side of this lake is Mt. Lushan, a wonderful summer resort with its lush mountains, enveloping clouds and mists, rapid streams and numerous deep pools and waterfalls. Mysterious and enchanting sceneries nestle in its secluded valleys and deep ravines. Sudongpo, a well-known poet of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), in honor of the 'Cloud Sea' of Mt. Lushan for its ever - changing mist, wrote, 'The failure to get a real perspective of the mountain only results in the fact that you are right in the midst of it'. Another mountain - Jinggangshan enjoys a dual reputation. It is more widely known as the cradle of the Chinese revolution rather than for its natural beauty, which is, in fact, comparable to the more famous Lu Shan.
History
The historical sites of Jiangxi also attract guests from all corners of the world. Nanchang is the capital of Jiangxi. Tengwang Pavilion is located just west of Nanchang and is one of three famous pavilions south of the Yangtze River. This pavilion gained its reputation to a great extent because of a well-known poem called 'Preface to Tengwang Pavilion' by Wangbo, a reputable poet of the Tang Dynasty. Donglin Monastery is located at the foot of Lushan. It was built in 386 for the monk Hui Yuan (334-416), founder of the Pure Land sect of Buddhism. Hui Yuan spent many years translating Buddhist scriptures in this temple.
Local Highlights
The highlight of Jiangxi travel should be Jingdezhen, which is known as the 'Capital of Porcelain' in China. Ceramics were produced here as early as 1,800 years ago in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Today, Jingdezhen remains a national center for porcelain production. While in this ancient town, tourists can visit many pottery factories and ancient kiln sites. In addition, Jiangxi is one of the ancient tea-producing areas in China. The Black Tea produced in Ningzhou City and the Green Tea produced in Wuyuan City are well-known throughout China.